CHAPTER X. 



CHILI — CONTINUED, 



1839. 



Previous to my arrival at Valparaiso, the naturalists and some 

 officers on board the Peacock and Relief had made excursions into 

 the interior. On my arrival, I allowed all those who could be spared, 

 and were desirous of visiting Santiago, sufficient leave to make the 

 trip. Several set out for that city, and some with a view of extending 

 their journey to the Cordilleras beyond. 



The bilocheros were eager for opportunities to hire their biloches, 

 a vehicle somewhat resembling a double gig, which is generally used 

 for travelling in Chili. They have a most rickety and worn-out 

 appearance ; almost every part appears mended with cords made of 

 hide. They accommodate two passengers; and the time required 

 between Valparaiso and the city (Santiago), is about eighteen or 

 twenty hours. In the shafts a horse is put ; a postilion rides one on 

 the left, and sometimes another is placed on the right, both being 

 fastened to the vehicle by lassos of raw-hide proceeding from the 

 saddle. Each vehicle is attended by three bilocheros or drivers, with 

 a drove of twelve or fifteen horses, forming quite a cavalcade. 



The bilocheros are very expert at their business. They are excellent 

 riders, having been brought up to this exercise from their infancy, and 

 understand managing their horses, though in a rude way. Their 

 horses are small, but spirited, and bear fatigue well. Their usual 

 speed is about nine or ten miles an hour. Few equipages can com- 

 pare with these crazy machines, driven, as they sometimes are, pell- 

 mell up hill and down dale, with all their accompaniments of horses, 

 Guachos, &c. ; and it affords no small amusement to those on foot, to 

 witness the consternation of the affrighted passengers, in momentary 

 expectation of a break-down, and a broken neck or limbs. It is a 



vol. :, 23 ( 177 ) 



